Gas used to force a barricaded suspect outside, Sheriff says

MADERA, California (KGPE) – One suspect is under arrest after a search warrant served on a Madera home resulted in a standoff between a suspect and law enforcement.

According to Madera County Sheriff’s Office, the warrant was served around 5 p.m. at a home near 4th Street and Rotan Avenue. Deputies say the suspect barricaded himself inside and refused to leave, prompting a standoff.

Madera County Sheriff Jay Varney says the suspect eventually came out after deputies and Madera Police officers intervened.

“We did introduce gas into his house,” revealed Varney. “He did come out and has been taken into custody.”

The suspect has been identified as 33-year-old Francisco Javier Bautista. He was wanted on two felony pursuit warrants. Deputies also arrested 58-year-old Kirk Fitzgerald, who lived at the home, on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.